Memorial Services

Humanistic Judaism does not promise immortality or eternal salvation. Instead, it emphasizes the need to find purpose and meaning in the life that one leads.

Humanistic Judaism does not object to autopsy when it will provide information that may save lives and improve health. In a similar vein, it recommends the donation of organs and other body parts for transplantation purposes. Further, Humanistic Judaism is not opposed to cremation.

Funeral Services can be scheduled to precede or follow internment or cremation. Services can be held at a chapel or other location and/or may be held at the graveside or location that has been selected to bury or spread the ashes of the deceased. There is no requirement that the memorial ceremony occur within 24 hours of death, nor are there restrictions on the day selected to hold the service.

Unveiling Services, if desired, can be scheduled at a time that is determined to be appropriate by the family.

Life Celebration Services provide an opportunity to share the accomplishments and legacy of a individual prior to their death. This form of service can be planned and scheduled with the terminally ill loved one. A Life Celebration Service can be held in place of a funeral service.

Humanistic Judaism recognizes that, although death may be painful and tragic for those who survive and may be profoundly regretted, there is nothing in death to fear. Services are designed to respect the intelligence and feelings of mourners and do not pretend that an incomprehensible, but wonderful, benefit has befallen the deceased. The service respects the life of the deceased by honoring the individual's life rather than alleging that mystical forces that have taken a loved one away. Humanistic memorial ceremonies assist the living to accept their loss by strengthening them with the presence, encouragement, and love of friends and family.

Rabbi Jack B. Silver is a Madrikh/Vegvayzer certified by the International Institute of Secular Humanistic Judaism. He received rabbinic ordination from the Rabbinical Seminary International.